I should use my time wisely by cleaning up the house, but something about blogging calms me, whereas, cleaning the house doesn't.
Anyway... Okay, technically, it's nap time for my darling 4 month old E's; however, what does that mean?
Well, it means lot of screaming, more screaming, a quick catnap, more screaming, another quick catnap, more screaming...well you get the picture...with the occasional head rubbing and "shhhh-ing" from Mommy.
I guess I shouldn't complain too much, (but I will) since they have both been sleeping through the night since they were right around 3 months old. We put them down for bed every night around 8:00 and they generally sleep until 7:00 or so. Ella was sleeping much longer than that but we've started waking her up to tackle this schedule issue.
If you know me, you know that I tend to be a stickler when it comes to a schedule for Evan. When he was little we never missed nap time and I watched the clock to be exactly on it. We had scheduled time to eat, snack, watch tv, etc., it just worked for us. Even now, he has a pretty strict bedtime (with the occasional late night fun times or baseball games).
Well, the new E's have been a little different...it's something about two that really makes the t-shirt true..."Double the Trouble." Which I hate to hear, btw! When they were early newborns, the advice was always the same, "Sleep when they sleep" Well, try and tell two babies who are totally different that they have to both go to sleep at the same time. Yeah, my point exactly! They NEVER slept at the same time during the day.
I know it's totally my fault for not being stronger in the beginning and believe me I am totally paying for that now. In the past, after I fed them, I would usually put them in their swing or seat so that way I could have a minute to shower, do some housework, etc., so during that time if they stayed awake fine and if they feel asleep, well even better because that meant a few extra minutes for me. One baby napping quietly in a seat for always nice, but if ever two napped in their seats, oh boy, those moments were like gold!! So for that very reason, I was always happy for them to nap in their seats. All that has since changed and if only I could turn back time...I'd find a way... (okay enough with Cher) but seriously it's true.
I have all the books, The Happiest Baby on the Block, The Baby Whisper, BabyWise, Double Dudy, Twins, but when do I have time to read a 200 page book cover to cover and then implement it? I've tried speed reading and scanning them, but that doesn't work. I wish (okay, if I could do that this wouldn't be an issue) but anyway, that a pro could come show me how it's done. "Super Nanny, we need your help" Isn't that what everyone screams on the show?!
I am desperately in need of a day time schedule for naps, we do okay for feedings but boy are naps, well... HELL!!!!!!!! It doesn't help that I'm home all day alone either. I'm hoping that this summer I'll be able to solicit some help so that I can at least get some things done around the house. I've never been more overwhelmed with clutter and stuff in my life.
I'm guessing it's just going to take a week or so of them getting used to being in their cribs and staying there until nap time is over. Eventually, the will realize that diaper change, sleep sacks on then rocking (only long enough to hear, Rock a Bye Baby ONCE) upstairs means time to lay in the crib for a nap, but until then naptime will be hell!
Sorry, for the ranting, but I needed to vent. I'm in serious need of encouragement and motivation, so let me know if you have any advice. I'll be checking posts like crazy, hoping to get some. I guess I'll go tackle the house...Since today is "Tackle it Tuesday."
4 comments:
I wish that I had some advice for you, but I don't! It was challenging getting Braden on a nap routine & I was only working with one baby. Just know that I am praying for you and your sanity!!! I know how hard it can be to listen to them so upset, but it is one of those issues that must be tackled eventually. Just keep reminding yourself that this too will pass (just like the last trimester of pregnancy, sleepless/exhuasted nights, etc.). In a couple of weeks they will be snoozing during naptime and you will be able to rest/clean. Just resist the urge to turn on the vaccuum!
Brandi-
We've had the same problem at our house...except there is only one baby, not two!
Since 3 months or so, I've been making him nap in his crib. His naps can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours. However, almost every nap he wakes up at the 45 min mark. I mean it's like clockwork! I don't know what causes it. I've heard that 45 min is a baby's sleep cycle, etc. After I go in and reinsert the paci and give him back his blankie (thin burp cloth) and usually goes back to sleep.
You are right...it is very frustrating. I can't bring myself to let him cry it out. I guess time will tell.
Vent on, blog on!
No advice here but encouragement I can do -- as someone else said "this too will pass" but going through it is no fun... Ask for help as you need it and never turn down an offer of help! Love you, gal! Debbie
Brandi,
When I raised my first "round" of kids 20+ years ago, I had the same philosopy you opened up today's blog with: "I should do housework if the kids are napping"... This time around, I FINALLY listened to my own mother who always told me that when baby sleeps, mommy should because a little rest goes a LONG, LONG way!
Again, 20+ years ago, my oldest son was 14 months old and I was due with my daughter, and not sleeping at night. He would get up anywhere from 3 to 10 times! Nothing wrong, diaper was dry, yada, yada. Finally I asked my pediatrician for advice. He told me if the child was indeed dry, not hungry, not sick, I should cover him back up and go back to bed and let him cry! He warned that he would likely cry for a long time for a few nights, then slowly come to realize that after the first check, mommy wasn't coming back. It took me a few nights to try it, but I did. He cried for 2 hours before falling back to sleep. I thought for sure I was causing him permanent damage. When he finally slept, I tip-toed back in to check on him, and he was taking such pitiful deep breaths - you know the kind that anyone gets after crying for a long time and trying to compose themselves. The second night he cried 10 minutes. He slept all night thereafter. As a bonus, this same child, who never slept for more than 15 minutes for naps during the day prior to that time, began taking "real" naps. An hour at least! I was thrilled and called my pediatrician to report the progress. He chuckled and then said he wanted to give me some more advice. He said with the new baby who was due any day, I should consider putting her in a room furthest from ours, with the door closed! I was mortified. He said when she woke up and was hungry or sick, I'd hear her! Well, I did it - literally changed her room with my sons, and lo and behold. He was right. By 3 WEEKS, she was sleeping 13 hours! She also would take wonderfully long naps!
I'm not sure any of this applies to you, but, perhaps putting them in separate sleeping ares during nap time and letting them stay there for a set period of time for designated naptime, might help. Take a nap with them, and you will likely feel more energized when you get up. Might work, might not, worth a try!
If all else fails, I'm praying for you!
Judy
Post a Comment